Masuma Shariff, Grade 12
UWCEA (Moshi)
Culture is a very interesting aspect of every individual's life. It is the determining factor for the way a person thinks, acts and talks. To me, culture is a big part of my identity. When I first joined the International School of Moshi, now UWCEA, I was anxious yet excited. I had never been to an international school and was looking forward to meeting different people. The school had a familiar atmosphere with everyone knowing each other. I soon made friends and met classmates who were Canadians, Dutch, Kenyans, Americans, and a few other nationalities.
Since I was brought up in a predominantly Muslim-Tanzanian community, I was shocked at the different cultures and the way people acted. It was at ISM I got to understand the thought processes and the ideologies that different people had. I understood that open-mindedness was a big factor in the community and I had soon become more accepting of everything around me. ISM had a familiar atmosphere that made me comfortable and more outgoing in a short time.
When transitioning from ISM to UWCEA, the opportunities and cultures that we would meet had tremendously increased. There were talks of 50 different nationalities and people from all over the world coming to our school. It was at that moment I felt what I had when I first joined ISM, anxious yet excited. Being in D1 at the time, we were preparing to welcome the first batch of D1 under the UWCEA name. We had activities and short trips planned. At the time, the orientation committee was so excited to have seen so many people from different countries: Mexicans, South-Koreans, Palestinians and so many other cultures.
Since I was brought up in a predominantly Muslim-Tanzanian community, I was shocked at the different cultures and the way people acted. It was at ISM I got to understand the thought processes and the ideologies that different people had. I understood that open-mindedness was a big factor in the community and I had soon become more accepting of everything around me. ISM had a familiar atmosphere that made me comfortable and more outgoing in a short time.
When transitioning from ISM to UWCEA, the opportunities and cultures that we would meet had tremendously increased. There were talks of 50 different nationalities and people from all over the world coming to our school. It was at that moment I felt what I had when I first joined ISM, anxious yet excited. Being in D1 at the time, we were preparing to welcome the first batch of D1 under the UWCEA name. We had activities and short trips planned. At the time, the orientation committee was so excited to have seen so many people from different countries: Mexicans, South-Koreans, Palestinians and so many other cultures.
Guest Writer - UWCEA (Moshi) |
I never knew of the UWC experience and the offers that were presented at a UWC school. I had heard of people leaving for UWC schools and getting an international learning experience. It was when we became a UWC school and I saw my school hallways full of culture and opportunities, that I realised what having a UWC educational experience would behold. The school had become more receptive and different events and activities had come up. There were people who were musicians, poets, athletes, and academics. I was truly grateful to have been able to witness the school’s transition from ISM to UWCEA.
Being the first D2 class of UWCEA, I have seen how many opportunities have presented themselves to our class. This is in terms of competitions, short courses, and scholarships. It has definitely been an amazing experience and wonderful privilege of being part of the international learning experience. I am so thankful to have made these everlasting connections and friendships with my teachers and classmates. |
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